Inelastic response of RC frame buildings with seismic isolation

A comprehensive parametric study on the inelastic seismic response of seismically isolated RC frame buildings, designed for gravity loads only, is presented. Four building prototypes, with 23 m × 10 m floor plan dimensions and number of storeys ranging from 2 to 8, are considered. All the buildings present internal resistant frames in one direction only, identified as the strong direction of the building. In the orthogonal weak direction, the buildings present outer resistant frames only, with infilled masonry panels. This structural configuration is typical of many existing RC buildings, realized in Italy and other European countries in the 60s and 70s. The parametric study is based on the results of extensive nonlinear response‐time history analyses of 2‐DOF systems, using a set of seven artificial and natural seismic ground motions. In the parametric study, buildings with strength ratio (F_y/W) ranging from 0.03 to 0.15 and post‐yield stiffness ratio ranging from 0% to 6% are examined. Three different types of isolation systems are considered, that is, high damping rubber bearings, lead rubber bearings and friction pendulum bearings. The isolation systems have been designed accepting the occurrence of plastic hinges in the superstructure during the design earthquake. The nonlinear response‐time history analyses results show that structures with seismic isolation experience fewer inelastic cycles compared with fixed‐base structures. As a consequence, although limited plastic deformations can be accepted, the collapse limit state of seismically isolated structures should be based on the lateral capacity of the superstructure without significant reliance on its inherent hysteretic damping or ductility capacity. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Modified three‐dimensional seismic assessment method for buildings based on ambient vibration tests: extrapolation to higher shaking levels and measuring the dynamic amplification portion of natural torsion

This paper presents applications of the modified 3D‐SAM approach, a three‐dimensional seismic assessment methodology for buildings directly based on in situ experimental modal tests to calculate global seismic demands and the dynamic amplification portion of natural torsion. Considering that the building modal properties change from weak to strong motion levels, appropriate modification factors are proposed to extend the application of the method to stronger earthquakes. The proposed approach is consistent with the performance‐based seismic assessment approach, which entails the prediction of seismic displacements and drift ratios that are related to the damage condition and therefore the functionality of the building. The modified 3D‐SAM is especially practical for structures that are expected to experience slight to moderate damage levels and in particular for post‐disaster buildings that are expected to remain functional after an earthquake. In the last section of this paper, 16 low to mid‐rise irregular buildings located in Montreal, Canada, and that have been tested under ambient vibrations are analyzed with the method, and the dynamic amplification portion of natural torsion of the dataset is reported and discussed. The proposed methodology is appropriate for large‐scale assessments of existing buildings and is applicable to any seismic region of the world. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Reduction of structural response to near fault earthquakes by seismic isolation columns and variable friction dampers

<正>This paper focuses on the investigation of a hybrid seismic isolation system with passive variable friction dampers for protection of structures against near fault earthquakes.The seismic isolation can be implemented by replacing the conventional columns fixed to the foundations by seismic isolating ones.These columns allow horizontal displacement between the superstructure and the foundations and decouple the building from the damaging earthquake motion.As a result, the forces in the structural elements decrease and damage that may be caused to the building by the earthquake significantly decreases.However,this positive effect is achieved on account of displacements occurring in the isolating columns.These displacements become very large when the structure is subjected to a strong earthquake.In this case,impact may occur between the parts of the isolating column yielding their damage or collapse.In order to limit the displacements in the isolating columns,it is proposed to add variable friction dampers.A method for selecting the dampers' properties is proposed.It is carried out using an artificial ground motion record and optimal active control algorithm.Numerical simulation of a seven-story structure shows that the proposed method allows efficient reduction in structural response and limits the displacements at the seismic isolating columns.     

A methodology for defining seismic scenario‐structure‐based limit state criteria for rc high‐rise wall buildings using net drift

As a result of population growth and consequent urbanization, the number of high‐rise buildings is rapidly growing worldwide resulting in increased exposure to multiple‐scenario earthquakes and associated risk. The wide range in frequency contents of possible strong ground motions can have an impact on the seismic response, vulnerability and limit states definitions of RC high‐rise wall structures. Motivated by the pressing need to derive more accurate fragility relations to be used in seismic risk assessment and mitigation of such structures, a methodology is proposed to obtain reliable, Seismic Scenario‐Structure‐Based (SSSB) definitions of limit state criteria. A 30‐story wall building, located in a multi‐seismic scenario study region, is utilized to illustrate the methodology. The building is designed following modern codes and then modeled using nonlinear fiber‐based approach. Uncertainty in ground motions is accounted for by the selection of forty real earthquake records representing two seismic scenarios. Seismic scenario‐based building local response at increasing earthquake intensities is mapped using Multi‐Record Incremental Dynamic Analyses (MRIDAs) with a new scalar intensity measure. Net Inter‐Story Drift (NISD) is selected as a global damage measure based on a parametric study involving seven buildings ranging from 20 to 50 stories. This damage measure is used to link local damage events, including shear, to global response under different seismic scenarios. While the study concludes by proposing SSSB limit state criteria for the sample building, the proposed methodology arrives at a reliable definition of limit state criteria for an inventory of RC high‐rise wall buildings under multiple earthquake scenarios. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Intelligent seismic isolation system using air bearings and earthquake early warning

Recently strong seismic waves or long period seismic waves have been observed in various earthquakes that occurred in Japan. As a result improvements of existing seismic isolation systems are deemed necessary. The present study proposed an intelligent seismic isolation system encompassing air bearings and earthquake early warning (EEW) system. Such system exhibits adequate isolation performance. The air bearings are isolation device that may render infinite the superstructure natural period by floating them, and the EEW is applied for a trigger of isolation. This paper illustrates the proposed system and discusses the experimental results of a test carried out with the system. Laboratory tests carried out in the present research demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed base isolated systems and prove its efficacy in mitigating the effects of three-dimensional seismic waves. For example, the system suppressed the horizontal response acceleration of an isolation target to 38% of input acceleration.     

基于复杂网络的建筑物强震下抗毁性估计模型

城市所处的地震危险性环境和城市建筑物的易损性是影响复杂网络建筑物强震环境下抗毁能力的关键因素。由于现阶段对建筑物抗震抗毁能力的评定仍存在一定困难,对建筑物震害程度测评只能通过强震之后建筑物受破坏的程度进行评估,且评估结果不够精准,因此提出基于复杂网络的建筑物抗震能力的评估方法。考虑到地震中的危险性因素,以地面峰值加速度为参数对强震环境下复杂网络建筑物抗毁性进行测评和分析,在此基础上提出对复杂网络下建筑物的防震抗毁能力进行评估的相对建筑物抗震性能指数,并结合建筑物抗震能力评估标准确定其抗震能力水平;再进行仿真实验加以测量,并结合震害经验,证实该方法的有效性。     

Influence of FPS bearing properties on the seismic performance of base‐isolated structures

The paper analyzes the influence of friction pendulum system (FPS) isolator properties on the seismic performance of base‐isolated building frames. The behavior of these systems is analyzed by employing a two‐degree‐of‐freedom model accounting for the superstructure flexibility, whereas the FPS isolator behavior is described by adopting a widespread model that considers the variation of the friction coefficient with the velocity. The uncertainty in the seismic input is taken into account by considering a set of natural records with different characteristics scaled to increasing intensity levels. The variation of the statistics of the response parameters relevant to the seismic performance is investigated through the nondimensionalization of the motion equation and an extensive parametric study carried out for different isolator and system properties. The proposed approach allows to explore a wide range of situations while limiting the required nonlinear response history analyses. Two case studies consisting of base‐isolated building frames described as shear‐type systems are finally investigated in order to demonstrate the capabilities of the proposed simplified model in unveiling the essential characteristics of the performance of buildings isolated with FPS bearings. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Full‐scale dynamic response of an RC building under weak seismic motions using earthquake recordings,ambient vibrations and modelling

In countries with a moderate seismic hazard, the classical methods developed for strong motion prone countries to estimate the seismic behaviour and subsequent vulnerability of existing buildings are often inadequate and not financially realistic. The main goals of this paper are to show how the modal analysis can contribute to the understanding of the seismic building response and the good relevancy of a modal model based on ambient vibrations for estimating the structural deformation under weak earthquakes. We describe the application of an enhanced modal analysis technique (frequency domain decomposition) to process ambient vibration recordings taken at the Grenoble City Hall building (France). The frequencies of ambient vibrations are compared with those of weak earthquakes recorded by the French permanent accelerometric network (RAP) that was installed to monitor the building. The frequency variations of the building under weak earthquakes are shown to be less (∼2%) and therefore ambient vibration frequencies are relevant over the elastic domain of the building. The modal parameters extracted from ambient vibrations are then used to determine the 1D lumped‐mass model in order to reproduce the inter‐storey drift under weak earthquakes and to fix a 3D numerical model that could be used for strong earthquakes. The correlation coefficients between data and synthetic motion are close to 80 and 90% in horizontal directions, for the 1D and 3D modelling, respectively. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Seismic response control of smart sliding isolated buildings using variable stiffness systems: an experimental and numerical study

Effectiveness of a new semiactive independently variable stiffness (SAIVS) device in reducing seismic response of sliding base isolated buildings is evaluated analytically and experimentally. Through analytical and experimental study of force—displacement behaviour of the SAIVS device, it is shown that the device can vary stiffness continuously and smoothly between minimum and maximum stiffness. Passive sliding base isolation systems reduce interstorey drifts and superstructure accelerations, but with increased base displacements, which is undesirable, under large velocity near fault pulse type earthquakes. It is a common practice to incorporate non‐linear passive dampers into the isolation system to reduce bearing displacements. Incorporation of passive dampers, however, may result in increased superstructure accelerations and drifts; while, properly designed passive dampers can be beneficial. A viable alternative is to use semiactive variable stiffness systems, which can vary the period of the sliding base isolated buildings in real time, to simultaneously reduce bearing displacements and superstructure responses further than the passive systems, which deserves investigation. This study investigates the performance of a 1:5 scaled smart sliding base isolated building model equipped with the SAIVS device analytically and experimentally, under near fault earthquakes, by developing a new moving average non‐linear tangential stiffness control algorithm for control of the SAIVS device. The SAIVS device reduces bearing displacements further than the passive cases, while maintaining isolation level forces and superstructure responses at the same level as the passive minimum stiffness case, indicating the significant potential of the SAIVS system. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Shake table testing of un‐reinforced brick masonry building test model isolated by U‐FREI

This paper presents a detailed study on feasibility of un‐bonded fiber reinforced elastomeric isolator (U‐FREI) as an alternative to steel reinforced elastomeric isolator (SREI) for seismic isolation of un‐reinforced masonry buildings. Un‐reinforced masonry buildings are inherently vulnerable under seismic excitation, and U‐FREIs are used for seismic isolation of such buildings in the present study. Shake table testing of a base isolated two storey un‐reinforced masonry building model subjected to four prescribed input excitations is carried out to ascertain its effectiveness in controlling seismic response. To compare the performance of U‐FREI, same building is placed directly on the shake table without isolator, and fixed base (FB) condition is simulated by restraining the base of the building with the shake table. Dynamic response characteristic of base isolated (BI) masonry building subjected to different intensities of input earthquakes is compared with the response of the same building without base isolation system. Acceleration response amplification and peak response values of test model with and without base isolation system are compared for different intensities of table acceleration. Distribution of shear forces and moment along the height of the structure and response time histories indicates significant reduction of dynamic responses of the structure with U‐FREI system. This study clearly demonstrates the improved seismic performance of un‐reinforced masonry building model supported on U‐FREIs under the action of considered ground motions. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Developing collapse fragility curves for base-isolated buildings

Seismic isolation technique is increasingly used both for the design of new buildings and for the seismic retrofit of existing buildings. Nevertheless, so far, little attention has been paid on the collapse capacity of these structures, mainly because it requires refined nonlinear models and careful consideration of different sources of uncertainties. To fill this gap, a set of collapse fragility functions for existing reinforced concrete-frame buildings, designed for gravity loads only and then retrofitted with different isolation systems (including rubber-based and friction-based isolation systems), are derived in this study. For completeness, buildings with low and high seismic resistance are also considered. Collapse fragility functions are derived through incremental dynamic analysis, considering different collapse conditions both for isolation system and superstructure. For each case study building, mean and dispersion values are obtained considering both aleatory and epistemic uncertainties, due to record-to record and model variability, respectively. Finally, some comments on the possible use of the results of this study for practical applications are made.     

基于自由振动响应的基础隔震建筑减震能力评估方法研究

目前国内外已修建完成了大量隔震建筑,但仅有少量经受了地震检验,绝大部分隔震结构减震能力能否达到设计目标尚存疑问.本文针对基础隔震建筑,提出了一种基于自由振动响应的减震能力评估方法.首先,对隔震建筑进行多级幅值初位移自由振动原位试验,获取结构的抗震能力曲线;其次,根据地震反应谱建立地震需求曲面,进而确定隔震结构性能点;最...     

A macro‐model with nonlinear springs for seismic analysis of URM buildings

Seismic assessment of existing unreinforced masonry buildings represents a current challenge in structural engineering. Many historical masonry buildings in earthquake regions were not designed to withstand seismic loading; thus, these structures often do not meet the basic safety requirements recommended by current seismic codes and need to be strengthened considering the results from realistic structural analysis. This paper presents an efficient modelling strategy for representing the nonlinear response of unreinforced masonry components under in‐plane cyclic loading, which can be used for practical and accurate seismic assessment of masonry buildings. According to the proposed strategy, generic masonry perforated walls are modelled using an equivalent frame approach, where each masonry component is described utilising multi‐spring nonlinear elements connected by rigid links. When modelling piers and spandrels, nonlinear springs are placed at the two ends of the masonry element for describing the flexural behaviour and in the middle for representing the response in shear. Specific hysteretic rules allowing for degradation of stiffness and strength are then used for modelling the member response under cyclic loading. The accuracy and the significant potential of the proposed modelling approach are shown in several numerical examples, including comparisons against experimental results and the nonlinear dynamic analysis of a building structure. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Simplified analysis of mid‐story seismically isolated buildings

The mid‐story isolation design method is recently gaining popularity for the seismic protective design of buildings located in the areas of high population. In a mid‐story isolated building, the isolation system is incorporated into the mid‐story rather than the base of the building. In this paper, the dynamic characteristics and seismic responses of mid‐story isolated buildings are investigated using a simplified three‐lumped‐mass structural model for which equivalent linear properties are formulated. From the parametric study, it is found that the nominal frequencies of the superstructure and the substructure, respectively, above and below the isolation system have significant influences on the isolation frequency and equivalent damping ratio of a mid‐story isolated building. Moreover, the mass and stiffness of the substructure are of greater significance than the superstructure in affecting the dynamic characteristics of the isolated building. Besides, based on the response spectrum analysis, it is noted that the higher mode responses may contribute significantly to the story shear force of the substructure. Consequently, the equivalent lateral force procedure of design codes should carefully include the effects of higher modes. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

非平整曲面隔震结构的多质点计算模型及地震响应研究

针对强地震作用下隔震结构隔震层变形过大的现象提出了曲面隔震结构体系,该结构隔震层为曲面布置,在地震和结构重力作用下,上部结构可绕曲率中心进行曲面运动。建立了非平整曲面隔震结构多质点计算分析模型,通过数值分析进一步研究非平整曲面隔震层的曲率半径对结构地震响应的影响规律。分析结果表明:在罕遇地震作用下,曲面隔震结构对隔震层及上部结构的位移控制效果显著,同时当曲率半径为10~15倍重心高度时具有良好的隔震效果。     

Comparative response assessment of minimally compliant low‐rise conventional and base‐isolated steel frames

In this study, the multi‐intensity seismic response of code‐designed conventional and base‐isolated steel frame buildings is evaluated using nonlinear response history analysis. The results of hazard and structural response analysis for three‐story braced‐frame buildings are presented in this paper. Three‐dimensional models for both buildings are created and seismic response is assessed for three scenario earthquakes. The response history analysis results indicate that the design objectives are met and the performance of the isolated building is superior to the conventional building in the design event. For the Maximum Considered Earthquake, isolation leads to reductions in story drifts and floor accelerations relative to the conventional building. However, the extremely high displacement demands of the isolation system could not be accommodated under normal circumstances, and creative approaches should be developed to control displacements in the MCE. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Interbuilding interpolation of peak seismic response using spatially correlated demand parameters

Seismic structural responses recorded in instrumented buildings during an earthquake are used to provide insights into the demands placed on neighboring, noninstrumented buildings, using a framework to interpolate structural response demands across buildings. The interbuilding interpolation model relies on the spatial and structural correlations of responses in coregionally located buildings subjected to a seismic event. A dataset of response demands for a portfolio of reinforced concrete moment frame buildings is generated by performing nonlinear response history analyses on structural models using ground motions recorded from historical scenario earthquakes. The dataset is used to characterize the correlation between seismic demands across different buildings. Semivariograms are used to model spatial and structural correlations and then incorporated into a kriging algorithm, which forms the basis of the interpolation models. The effect of several model and dataset attributes and assumptions, for example, using intensity‐measure‐based versus engineering demand parameter‐based semivariograms, and size of training dataset relative to portfolio, on the overall performance are evaluated along with the limitations of the proposed model.     

Optimal maintenance strategies for structures in seismic zones

In this paper an approach is developed for establishing optimal maintenance (repair) strategies of structures in seismic zones. The approach is based on expected future costs and the main decision variable is a damage threshold for repair given an acceptable reliability level. It is considered that structural damage accumulates over a number of earthquakes until a threshold is reached or exceeded, after which the structure is repaired so that there is no remaining damage. A Markov model is implemented for such a process of damage accumulation during future earthquakes. An algorithm is proposed for computing non‐linear structural response to earthquakes using a damage function model. This algorithm is used to evaluate transition probabilities between damage states based on simulations of future earthquakes of given intensities. Expressions are derived for evaluating expected life‐cycle damage costs and structural reliability as a function of time and of the damage threshold for repair. As an application, a single‐degree‐of‐freedom structural system is studied. In addition, the paper addresses the case of instrumented structures where information from earthquake response records is available. Such information is incorporated into the formulation for maintenance strategies by means of a Bayesian approach for updating the probability distribution of structural damage and of non‐linear behaviour parameters so that predictions about costs and reliability are improved. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Response of seismically isolated buildings considering poundings

Numerical simulations and parametric studies have been used to investigate the influence of potential poundings of seismically isolated buildings with adjacent structures on the effectiveness of seismic isolation. Poundings are assumed to occur at the isolation level between the seismically isolated building and the surrounding moat wall. After assessing some common force‐based impact models, a variation of the linear viscoelastic impact model is proposed to avoid tensile impact forces during detachment, while enabling the consideration of permanent plastic deformations at the vicinity of the impact. A large number of numerical simulations of seismically isolated buildings with different characteristics have been conducted under six earthquake excitations in order to investigate the influence of various design parameters and conditions on the peak floor accelerations and interstorey deflections during poundings. The numerical simulations demonstrate that poundings may substantially increase floor accelerations, especially t the base floor where impacts occur. Higher modes of vibration are excided during poundings, increasing the interstorey deflections, instead of retaining an almost rigid‐body motion of the superstructure, which is aimed with seismic isolation. Impact stiffness seems to affect significantly the acceleration response at the isolation level, while the displacement response is more insensitive to the variation of the impact stiffness. Finally, the results indicate that providing excessive flexibility at the isolation system to minimize the floor accelerations may lead to a building vulnerable to poundings, if the available seismic gap is limited. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.